This research embeds architectural cognition into the architecture and urban design process, through an iterative process of interactions between scientists and architecture practitioners, to actively shape key design decisions at different design stages. Behavioural studies are combined with design research to understand how architects/designers utilise information about end-users while employing researcher secondments and refining design-support tools (from educational materials to simulations) to improve the design process and outcomes. Comparative analysis of case studies in Singapore, Zurich, and Sarajevo provide variation in parameters such as building and urban design typologies, urban density, and social, cultural and climatic conditions, to contribute to context-specific as well as generalisable research outputs.